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Letters to editor in Naples Daily News March 25, 2020

Naples Daily News

'The economy over lives of citizens'

How long will it take our country to realize it has been hijacked by a leader straight out of the fairy tale "The Emperor's New Clothes"? The smoke and mirrors that has been at the center of this administration is becoming more evident each day.

Donald Trump's desire to choose the economy over the lives of our citizens by brushing off the importance of social distancing is appalling.

And the people who stand beside him with looks of adoration on their faces are beyond understanding. Any voice of reason that "rears its head" in this administration is immediately dispensed with, such as the coronavirus expert Dr Fauci.

The list of respected Cabinet members and personnel ousted by this president goes on and on and yet, many of his closest advisers/cronies who are now in jail are anxiously awaiting a pardon, which no doubt will be forthcoming. To use one of Donald Trump's favorite phrases: very sad.

Laura Vinton, Estero


Tele-help for mental health care

As a licensed clinical social worker who has been practicing in Naples for 35 years, I know mental health is being affected by COVID-19 and that affects our physical bodies as well.

My greatest concern for people who are experiencing fear is that they trigger the “stress response,” or fight-or-flight syndrome; stress hormones are released and these "stress hormones" cause several changes in the body, including an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.

We need to stay socially distant to protect ourselves and others, but we shouldn’t socially isolate ourselves with our fear and concerns.

Fortunately, technology makes it possible for health care professionals to see their patients online. Physicians have been using telehealth for the past 40 years and tele-therapy since the 1990s.

To ensure client safety, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have eased the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act's restrictions on this type of treatment and are recommending it as a safe way to continue counseling sessions or see new patients.

You don’t need to be computer-savvy to use tele-therapy, which helps us see our patients and them see us. Telephone therapy is also available to people who aren’t computer-friendly. To find a therapist who is providing this service, see and search by your zip code.

I am here to answer any questions you may have:

Margot Escott, Naples

People need aid from Congress now

People are the lifeblood of this country, and due to nothing they or their employers did, but an act of nature, millions are out of their jobs.

Our government has heard the cry of these people and has decided to give a monetary stimulus to help them get through this very rare problem. However, there are elected representatives who are refusing to pass this bill, due to the dirtiest of politics. 

How in the world can they sleep at night, knowing their “nay” votes are hurting families?  How do they go to their gracious homes surrounded by walls, knowing children are hungry?

Their constituents know how they vote, and they will not forget on Election Day.  If I had my way, all of the naysayers in Congress would be out of their jobs now.

Joyce M. Kaiser, North Naples

Hoarding continues; social distancing?

Once again I see hundreds of people who think the law is for everyone else but them. Lining up two hours deep at Costco, Sam's, Walmart to buy 100 to 200 rolls of toilet tissue and 20 gallons of bleach along with 20 to 30 containers of Clorox wipes.

The great news to all of you hoarders is that the aforementioned stores announced they will not take back any of these items when the crisis is over. That should last you a few years or until the Clorox evaporates and the tissue disintegrates.

Thank you, though, for obeying the social distance of 6 feet, no more than 10 people in a group, while standing in those lines for hours on end to hoard. What's that? Oh yeah, you don't do that either. The rules are for everyone else.

W. Michael Koval, Fort Myers

Veggie market aids bodies but is struggling

 I wanted to cry Saturday morning, March 21, when I went to the Cape Coral Farmers Market. Thankfully, they were open, but the normal isles full of vendors with fresh produce were almost empty.

The two vendors that I buy most of my week's groceries from were open. Venus Veggies a family farm (organic) not far from here has gone from eight markets served in a week to two. At this time of year they are about making expenses and storing "seed" money for next year.

Folks, fresh locally grown vegetables and fruits are what our bodies use and desperately need to keep us healthy and fight viruses. Keep the markets open and eat lots of plants. Stay well.

Gene Moreau, North Fort Myers